Minnesota versus Wisconsin job growth

Wisconsin gets us worked up on a lot of topics. Sports, for sure. But we also seems to have this insecurity about Wisconsin taking jobs.

We came across that in 2010 when Minnesota lawmakers passed an "angel tax credit" in part because they worried about companies and jobs slipping across the St. Croix.

But, really, which state did a better job keeping people employed in the Great Recession and adding work in the recovery? Minnesota. It's something we started pointing out after Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker made a big deal about trying to attract business from Minnesota. Remember, "Wisconsin Open for Business?"

Here's an index from the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis comparing employment in Minnesota compared to Wisconsin. It's a good apples-to-apples comparison. (Click on the chart for a larger view.)

Job-wise, the data show Minnesota pulled out of the recession tailspin faster than Wisconsin and is recovering its employment faster in the recovery.

Both states have struggled in the recession and "recovery." But despite the "Open for Business" showmanship, Minnesota's done better than the Badgers keeping and growing jobs.

About Paul Tosto

Paul Tosto writes the Big Story Blog for MPR News. He joined the
newsroom in 2008 after more than 20 years reporting on education,
politics and the economy for news wires and newspapers across the
country.